Betrayal, loss, and bloodshed destroyed my life… Would the guilt I harbored over it ever diminish?
It should have been a day like any other. Instead, it was the day that a cruel twist of fate obliterated everything I cherished. For years I remained in hiding. All alone and with no one to trust, my heart was in shambles, my soul half-dead.
But then, Paxton made me feel alive again.
With him, I felt safe.
The second I saw him, I knew he would be hard to ignore. And while I tried, my attempts to guard my fractured heart from him proved impossible when he pulled out all the stops to claim it as his own. After busting through my walls, he became my savior, best friend, and lover.
Could the love of my very own protector, found family, and a monumental surprise stop me from running again? And the bigger question—did I deserve the new life he promised me?
C.M. Youngren is an author of swoon-worthy contemporary romance whose dream in life is to own a bookstore slash coffee shop. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and her herd of animals. She loves 80’s music, movies, reading, and adores singing regardless if she can hold a tune or not. Hopelessly addicted to watching The Voice, driving her best friend crazy, and eating tacos are some of her favorite things.
* * * Received an ARC for my honest review * ** Have been waiting for Paxton and Capri's story. Right from the start you get what happened to her and the cause for her to be so withdrawn. In the first 4 chapters a lot has happened already with her.
When you read their story you can feel the love and affection they have for one another. Capri has a lot of demons from her past catching up to her and Paxton is trying his best to slay those demons. She had a few narrow escapes which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Their happily ever after depended on catching the bad guys.
But.... Oh my gosh, I want a Paxton.
His hands started moving again and stared down at my feet as he worked some serious magic. “Should have painted my toes,” I mumbled to myself, remembering that doing so was supposed to give me extra time before I had to spill my secrets. One of Paxton’s hands left my foot and grabbed the bottle of polish on the table. “I’ll paint, you talk,” he said in the most casual tone. My mouth dropped open in wonder. “You’re going to paint my toes?” “Sure, how hard can it be? Besides, I’m good with my hands.” He winked, and flashed those dimples, then laughed.
This was such a sweet read and I loved every minute of it.
This story was amazing. It had tragedy, heartbreak, betrayal, but most of all, friendship, love, and happiness. Capri's story broke my heart to read the turmoil she faced. She was a loner because of circumstances she couldn't control, but she met the greatest group of people who wouldn't allow her to push them away no matter how hard she tried. Then, one day, a wonderful man Paxton came into the picture, and the attraction was instantaneous, but they both fought it. However, when trouble came knocking, this amazing group of friends rallied around and bent over backward for Capri. This story is really a whirlwind of emotions. I laughed, screamed, cried, and smiled so much. Once I got started reading, I couldn't put it down. Youngren knocks it out of the park again. I wish I had an amazing group of friends like these. I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.
Capri just might crack your heart with her past. She’s used to being alone and on the fringe, even though this group of men and women truly want her to feel at home with them. It isn’t until Paxton sees his chance and also sees far more than Capri expects him to that she finds she truly is safe and has a home here. And a family. And that just might mean more than they ever thought possible for her.
While Paxton and Capri find themselves on the road to forever, there’s also the danger that seeks to ruin everything. This gives a bit of a rush, a lot of love, and the happiness everyone absolutely needs in their life. And if it brings us closer to Lake getting what she needs, even better!
I love this series so much! It's a great blended/found family, and each couple's story has the right amount of suspense, steam, humor, & swoon! Protective, strong characters all around! 💚
Pax & Capri fit right in. I love the way they dance around each other a bit bc of their pasts, and when they give in, they're IN. Capri thinks she'll have to run when danger comes her way, but of course no one lets her go!
Pax has his own things to work through & Capri shows she is perfect for him, too.
Very enjoyable read & am looking forward to more!!
I received this book as an arc member . Give my thoughts of own free will . This book is a continuation of the other ones with Paxton Gemma brother and Capri story . Capri has been hiding for a few years from bad men and Paxton and rest of No Surrender decided they will protect her . Such a page turner another amazing story in this series by this author . Suggestion though would want to read from beginning or will be lost with the characters how all connected . Way better than 5 stars .
Pax sure hit a homer in with Capri.... wink wink. This book is just as great as all the other in the series. Keeps you wanting more and enjoying the heat and love between each new couple. These men. Whew! Always so hot, loving and saving graces! Paxton and Capri made this book just perfect!
Could you start over, like really and completely start over?
I love this aspect in this series, so many of the characters have had to do this, and Capri never knows if she’ll get to stay. Imagine always being on guard. Never knowing who you can trust, then you start opening up, start letting people in, and then the past, a past that you had no control over comes back…
Now, as much as I want to run away and join the circus most days, seriously it would be SO much easier than my day job, I don’t think I’d have Capri’s grit, although if it would land me a man like Paxton…
I absolutely suck at giving reviews, but I have been dying for Capri's story and was so very excited to read it. As usual, C.M. Youngren never disappoints. Capri is haunted by her devastating past and is itchy to run again to protect those she loves. However, Paxton has other ideas and quickly works on convincing Capri to stay and offers to help fight her demons. Paxton and Capri find themselves falling for the other, all while danger is waiting to pounce. I love that this author allows us to catch up with old characters while falling in love with new ones. Paxton has won me over, which I've said about every man she's written 🤷🏼♀️ Capris story is a perfect blend of love, friendship, and thrill. Kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved every minute. I already want more!! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Capri’s Savior, book five in the No Surrender series follows bakery owner Capri Barrett and Air Force Pararescue Paxton Brewer. Capri was always the quiet one, always alone.. Until the day she met Paxton. When we learn about Capri’s story, the heartbreak makes it easy to see why she was afraid to let anyone get close to her. Paxton, on the other hand, promises to always be there, we soon learn that he keeps his promises.
I was so excited to read Capri and Paxton's story. Their story is full of twists and turns, so it keeps you turning the pages. I loved how Capri felt she needed to protect her friends by leaving, but Paxton wasn't having it. There is so much I would like to say, but I don't want to give any spoilers. If you love books with romance and some angst, then this book is for you.
Capri’s past is heartbreaking and she is so lonely. Being friends with the No surrender group is making her happy and not so alone. When her eyes meet Paxton’s there is a spark but she doesn’t want to act on it for her fear of everyone getting hurt because of her is not something she wants. Paxton does everything he can to help her see that he will be there for her as well as the No surrender group. When she finally promises him that she won’t run , she opens her heart and trusts Paxton and the team to help get rid of her past. I loved this book and highly recommended reading.
Where to start…. Sweet, funny & loving, but with some suspenseful history knocking on the door throughout the whole story… just to keep you reading.
Capri & Pax are such a great couple, and their story is one not to be missed. Once again you get to see the group, with laughs from the ladies sleepovers & inappropriate discussions to the guys having each others backs to help in dangerous times.
I read this story as an ARC reading, and have really enjoyed every one of this author’s stories so make sure you read them all….
Capri has been a bit of mystery in the previous books in the No Surrender series. A baker extraordinaire, her personal history is unknown to the ladies who have become her friends over the past few years. They have all welcomed her into their circle especially after she assisted a few in dicey situations. She has recently caught the eye of her friend’s brother and new member of No Surrender (a security company), Paxton. Her sudden emotional breakdown at a group gathering is the catalyst to a new relationship between Capri and Paxton. He, a protector and rescuer to his core, can’t stand to see her upset and can no longer stop himself from going to her. She has been giving him mixed signals for a few months, but now he has to discover what has her so upset and try to help. She tries to flee the gathering, but car problems leads her to accepting a ride from the handsome, ex military man who makes her feel things she shouldn’t.
A simple ride home turns dangerous as someone is lying in wait at her bakery. Paxton’s skills help them to elude the assailant, but it soon becomes obvious to the men of No Surrender that this was no robbery and that Capri was targeted. Her past coming back to haunt sends Capri into flight mode, but Paxton will not let her run. When her tragic story is finally revealed to Paxton and the men he works with, they are determined to protect her and themselves. The bravery, resilience and determination she has shown over the past few years recreating a life for herself after a horrific tragedy, impresses all of her friends. Paxton steps up to be her very personal bodyguard. He makes her feel safe, cared for and desirable all at the same time. Their attraction and desire is mutual, but he is a patient man. He wants her to be sure that she wants a relationship with him before he claims her because once he does, he is never going to let her go. They have super hot chemistry as well as an undeniable connection and insight into each other’s psyche. The threat is just watching and waiting for a chance to strike, and as time goes on Capri and Paxton become more adverse to keeping their life in a holding pattern. Will they get their chance at a happily ever after?
As with the other books in this series, the connections and dynamics among the group of friends, men and women alike, make this book even more engaging and entertaining. The antics of the kids add a lot of hilarity to the story too. This book evokes a variety of emotions and reactions just as any wonderful book should. I can’t wait to read the next book! I highly recommend reading not only this book, but the whole No Surrender series.
Paxton and Capri’s story will melt and fill your heart with love.
This is a love story full of excitement, action, anxiety, steam and full of love. Paxton does search and rescue, but also helps out at No Surrender. Capri works in her bakery. She witnessed her parents deaths and escaped, but now is always looking over her shoulder. She made friends with the girls from No Surrender. Paxton came on the scene six months ago. They’ve silently been attracted to each other since they first met. Capri has no intentions of ever having a relationship again after the way she lost her husband She was there for Gemma’s (who is Paxton’s sister) graduation and she got to thinking about the past and almost had a panic attack. Paxton grabbed her and distracted her by kissing her. And oh what a kiss it was. She ran away after that. Everyone knows she keeping secrets, and all they can do is be there for her when her past catches up to her. Gemma told Paxton he rescues people, so rescue her, too, from herself and whatever else is going on. Her car won’t start so he takes her home which is on top of the bakery. There is a person inside and comes out and shoots at Paxton’s car. From then on, he vows to protect her and hopes for so much more with her. It’s a rocky road they travel together and through it all. He's her savior.
This is the fifth book in this series and the eighth book in this universe created by this author. While this is a complete story on it's own, I would recommend that you start with the related sister's trilogy and then read this series from the beginning. You need to read the earlier books to really get perspective on the type of people these characters are. I have been in love with these characters since the first book of the original series. I love all of the characters in these books and how they have each other's backs. They collect people who need them and who will have their backs and the backs of others who become part of their circle. With each book this family and the smaller family subsets just get stronger. There is nothing and no one who can break this group apart. I anticipate there will be at least two more books in this series and I will be sad when this story comes to an end. If you love character driven stories where the adversity these people face only make them stronger then you need to read these books.
If you're looking for your next romantic suspense featuring a strong (but sweet as can be) heroine fitting the damsel-in-distress trope and protective-yet-gentle Alpha hero who is h*ll-bent on saving her, then grab this book and get to know Paxton and Capri!
The suspense-laden plot is well-written, fast-paced, steamy (intimate scenes are open-door, but this book is definitely more plot than sm*t), and as any book labeled romance should, it ends with a HEA (epilogue included).
If you've read CM's earlier books (grab em' if you haven't), then you'll be happy to find that characters from previous stories make an appearance throughout this one, giving further glimpses of their found family.
-Highlights - Genre: Romantic Suspense Tropes: Protector Romance, Damsel-in-Distress, Woman on the Run, Dark Past, Alpha Veteran Hero, Found Family Steamy? Yes HEA included? Yes Do I recommend? YES!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
⭐️touch her and die ⭐️romantic suspense ⭐️found family
Capri was put into a terrible situation by her ex husband which lead to deaths and caused her to run away from the only life she’s ever known. Knowing she couldn’t put down roots in case she needed to run again she tried to keep to herself. But of course the women surrounding her have a gravitational pull and that proved impossible.
Paxton has a troubled past of his own and also tried to keep to himself, but the men of No Surrender quickly become family. When he first meets Capri, he is mesmerized. Slowly but surely, he tries to get closer to her and get to know her.
But when trouble comes to find Capri, will she run or will she let Paxton and the team at No Surrender help her?
If you like Romance and suspense, this book is right up your alley! It did keep me on my toes waiting for the next shoe to drop so to speak! Capri and Paxton are both sweethearts and deserve each other! ❤️
Capri has worked hard to create a new life for herself after her devastating past. She has a career she enjoys and has found a great group of friends with the other members of No Surrender, but she hasn’t shared the circumstances that brought her there. When the danger from her past resurfaces her first instinct is to protect those she cares about by fleeing but Paxton is not about to let that happen.
Paxton has had feelings for Capri for a while, but she only allows him so close. When he realizes that she is in danger he is determined to show her that she can trust him with her heart and her life as having her leave is not an option.
This story has it all from a suspenseful storyline, romance, captivating characters, a great cast of secondary characters and all the feels as they show what lengths they are willing to go through to protect one of their own.
Capri has tried keeping herself to at the peripheral of the group, but with the ladies that's difficult to do and now Gemma's brother Paxton is causing her to really want to have a normal life but knows the danger isn't worth it. Now the choice is out of her hands and Paxton, the guys from No Surrender as well as all the gals know what happened to Capri four years ago as well as the danger she is been running from that has now found her. I loved the anxiety and frustration of not knowing when the danger will show up and your left in lulls of false security while Capri and Paxton get closer. A great amount of laughs, seeing old friends, danger and suspense along with romance, new beginnings and a story that has you hooked.
The family from No Surrender is back with the story of Capri and Paxton. Once again, C. M. Youngren mixes family, romance, danger, and intrigue together for a can put it down story,
Capri is a baker on the fringes of the No Surrender gang who is hiding from her past and ready to run at the slightest hint of danger. Paxton recently found his sister, but found so much more when he came to town. Both Capri and Paxton know there is something there, but fear and Capri’s past may keep them from exploring it.
In try Youngren style, Capri’s Savior will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you root for love to win in the end!
If you long for sweet, loving romances with some suspense, this is the author for you! Capri has secrets, secrets that keep her from making real connections. Fortunately, the family at No Surrender have a habit of collecting people, surrounding them in love and acceptance. Paxton hasn't been around as long as some of the others but he is a good guy. He steps in one night when she is particularly upset so he takes her home. When they spot someone rummaging around in her bakery and shots are fired, all his protective instincts are triggered. The danger brings them together but the depth of their love forges an unbreakable bond. Just a beautiful story!
This is book #5 in the No Surrender series, and we finally get to understand more about Capri’s past and watch her relationship with Paxton unfold. There is so much to unpack in Capri’s tragic past, and current twists and turns as the past catches up with her.
The story is gripping and full of intrigue as well as steamy chemistry. A satisfying read, as well as a tease of books to come with the other fabulous characters, old and new, in the No Surrender series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Who needed candy when the sweetest thing my mouth would ever taste was Capri.
Capri is on the run from some bad guys after watching something horrible happen. She meets some amazing friends at her bakery but she tries not to get so close to anyone. But then blows in Paxton and she is taken aback by his handsome looks and underwear model worthy body lol. Then trouble comes right to her bakery and she has to run again to keep everyone safe. But Paxton just won’t allow that. He will stop at nothing to protect her.
If you love big sweet protective men then you will love this book!! Capri is a girl in big trouble, and Paxton is more than ready to help. This book is a mix of tragedy, heartbreak, and betrayal, but most of all it is a story of lasting friendship, and unconditional love. C.M. Youngren continues to WOW me every time I read one of her books . I can't recommend this book enough, and I can't wait for what comes next.
This series is on fire! I can not get enough. This is book five. It is Pax and Capri's story. These two captured my attention right away. Their story kept me glued to my kindle. I had to know what would happen with these two. Can she outrun her past? Can they find a HEA? Will all their efforts be for nothing? Only one way to know! Check it out and see what you think. For me this was a must read! Can not wait for more from this author!!!!!
Fantastic, as usual… I love the guys of No Surrender and their ladies who love so hard. It’s really hard to imagine what someone like Capri would actually have to go through to create a new identity and start over… she needed someone like Pax to bring her back to life! Her story is so tragic, theirs is so incredibly sweet… another home run for CM Youngren!!!
What a remarkable story!!! This whole group of family/friends is one that I definitely want to be a part of!! Don’t get me started on the sexy alpha men!!! Where can I find one of those?!?!?! I am so glad that Pax and Capri made it!!! I’m excited about the next one in this series!!!
Omg loved this book. Capri has been in danger for four years and on the run but one set of friends and one man named pax will bring her something she hasn't had in a long time love and security. But will she let them in or run again when danger comes for her now?
CAPRI’S SAVIOR by C.M. YOUNGREN was truly a wonderful book. It was Paxton and Capri's story. You will go through so much emotions, loss, grief and plenty of danger. Your heart will be warmed along with setting your girly parts on fire. Just a fabulous romance. Kudos!